New Initiatives for Senior Citizens

Prelims - Social Development- Inclusion, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. | Current events of national and international importance

Why in News?

Recently, President of India launched key initiatives for Senior Citizens at ‘Ageing with Dignity’ Event at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

• Ageing with Dignity’ Event – It was organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that aimed at fostering an inclusive society for the senior citizens.

• Senior Citizen Welfare Portal – It is a comprehensive digital platform aimed at empowering elderly citizens through seamless access to government services.
  • For example, accessing government schemes, healthcare benefits, welfare services, and updates on relevant events.
• It bridges the information gap and promote digital inclusion and thereby it will enable senior citizens to lead more informed, independent, and fulfilling lives.
• 5 new Senior Citizen Homes - These facilities are aligned with the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act.
  • Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Wokha (Nagaland), Vellore (Tamil Nadu), Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh), and Nainital (Uttarakhand).
• They are designed to provide safe, nurturing, and dignified living environments for indigent senior citizens across the country.
• Distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices – They are implemented under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY).
• Signing of MoU with the Brahma Kumaris – It reaffirms a collective commitment to inter-generational bonding, overall wellbeing and creating an inclusive society for the senior citizens.

Brahma Kumaris is a worldwide spiritual movement led by women, dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal through Rajyoga Meditation.

Quick Facts

• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) – It is a Central Sector Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category.
• The expenditure for implementation of the scheme will be met from the "Senior Citizens' Welfare Fund".
• It will be implemented through Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

References

1. PIB| Launch of New Initiatives for Senior Citizens
2. India.Gov.In | Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana